The government in Gunma prefecture, north-west of Tokyo, has ordered it removed after what the Asahi Shimbun newspaper described as petitions from "anti-Korean" groups and individuals complaining that it was anti-Japanese and had become the focus of political activity in a publicly owned space.

One factor that helped contribute to the success of Frozen was the local voice and song casting. Anna and Elsa were voiced by Sayaka Kanda and Takako Matsu, two singers and actresses whose performances received almost universal acclaim... Ari no Mama de, which translates roughly as “just as it is” and is the Japanese rendition of the “Let It Go” phrase, worked exceptionally well, and the independent-girl-power theme was a part of the film’s appeal in a conformist society that is beginning to deal with ingrained chauvinism.

As one of the world's most famous footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo is used to making TV appearances. But the 29-year-old would have experienced few as strange as his appearance on Japanese screens this week.